Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge has done a U-turn on childcare and is “actively” looking for help.

Catherine and her husband William welcomed their son Prince George into the world last month. At first it seemed she was determined to be a hands-on mother – just like her mom Carole Middleton – and refused to hire a nanny for the first months of George’s life. However, insiders claim Catherine has changed her mind and now wants some assistance.

“Kate and William have realized that they really do need help with George. They were both determined to do it themselves, but common sense has prevailed and they have actively started looking for help,” a source told British magazine Grazia. “It is highly unlikely that this will be an advertised position. Kate is going to rely on word-of-mouth. One of Kate’s best friends from Marlborough, Alice Alvenel, lives in Chelsea and has already been helping Kate. She is one of the Duchess’ most trusted confidantes; she also already has a little girl and is pregnant again. William and Kate want someone trustworthy and very well experienced. It’s unlikely they’ll hire a live-in nanny, though.”

Catherine is due to return to her royal duties on September 12, when she will attend a Tusk Trust fundraising gala with William. The pair are also expected to go to a society wedding next month.

The family are currently in Anglesey, North Wales, while William completes his final weeks as a pilot with the British Royal Air Force.

He is then expected to resume full-time royal duties, with Catherine scheduled to make her first solo appearance in October.

The duchess is apparently looking forward to moving back to London once their apartments at Kensington Palace have been refurbished.

“Kate hasn’t really seen anyone apart from immediate family since George was born, so she is really looking forward to returning to London to her tight support network of mummies,” a source revealed. “She’s felt somewhat cut-off for the past few months and is itching to get back into the swing of things.”